Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museumhttp://msfame.com
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum exists to tell — and preserve — the stories of these Mississippi’s greatest athletes and coaches, who are some of the world’s greatest athletes and coaches. Question: What other state can boast the leading scorer and receiver in NFL history (Jerry Rice), the leading passer in NFL history (Brett Favre), the second leading rusher (Walter Payton) and the patriarch of the first family of football (Archie Manning)?Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:31:12 +0000en-UShourly1http://i1.wp.com/msfame.com/wp-content/uploads/mississippi-sports-hall-of-fame.png?fit=32%2C32Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museumhttp://msfame.com
323291052791Ole Miss Senior Evan Engram Receives the 2016 C Spire Conerly Trophyhttp://msfame.com/news-updates/ole-miss-senior-evan-engram-receives-the-2016-c-spire-conerly-trophy/
http://msfame.com/news-updates/ole-miss-senior-evan-engram-receives-the-2016-c-spire-conerly-trophy/#respondWed, 30 Nov 2016 02:11:03 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10235Continue reading Ole Miss Senior Evan Engram Receives the 2016 C Spire Conerly Trophy]]>

The 2016 C Spire Conerly Trophy was presented to Ole Miss Senior tight end Evan Engram on Tuesday night at the Clarksdale Country Club.

Engram becomes the first tight end to be awarded the honor, which is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player in Mississippi.

Jackson State defensive end/linebacker Javancy Jones, Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross and Southern Miss running back Ito Smith were the other three finalists for the award, named for Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer and Clarksdale native Charlie Conerly.

Also, Mississippi State offensive lineman Justin Senior was awarded the Kent Hull Trophy on Tuesday evening, which goes to the most outstanding offensive lineman in the state. The award is named for the late Kent Hull, a Mississippi State and pro football standout.

JSU Tiger Javancy Jones won the C Spire fan vote receiving over three thousand votes, which accounts for 10 percent of the final tally. Ole Miss’s Evan Engram finished second with 2,862 votes and Mississippi State senior wide receiver Fred Ross was third with 1,995 votes. The other 90 percent of the final tally comes from a select panel of Mississippi sports media who regularly cover the state’s college football teams. The voting is tabulated by an outside auditor.

Evan Engram, a native of Powder Springs, Georgia, is the nation’s leading tight end with 84.2 receiving yards per game. He holds Ole Miss records for most catches, yards and touchdowns in a season and a career by a tight end. This season, Engram racked up 65 catches for 926 and eight touchdowns. He becomes the sixth player from Ole Miss to receive the C Spire Conerly award since the trophy’s beginnings in 1996.

]]>http://msfame.com/news-updates/live-stream-the-2016-c-spire-conerly-trophy-presentation/feed/010229The great Boo Ferriss has died at 94http://msfame.com/news-updates/the-great-boo-ferriss-has-died-at-94/
http://msfame.com/news-updates/the-great-boo-ferriss-has-died-at-94/#respondThu, 24 Nov 2016 17:46:25 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10210Continue reading The great Boo Ferriss has died at 94]]>The great Boo Ferriss

David Meadow “Boo” Ferriss, a baseball legend and one of Mississippi’s most beloved citizens, died today (Nov. 24, 2016) at home. Ferriss was 94.

Ferriss was born on Dec. 5, 1921, to Delta farmer William Douglas Ferriss and Lellie Meadow Ferriss of Shaw. Young David pretty much nicknamed himself. As a toddler he tried to get the attention of his older brother, Will D. He tried to say “brother” and it came out “Boo.” The name stuck.

At Shaw High School, from where he graduated in 1939, Ferriss played and excelled in all sports, especially baseball. He attracted the interest — and contract offers — of several Major League teams but instead signed a baseball scholarship at Mississippi State. The legendary coach and athletic director Dudy Noble awarded Ferriss the first full baseball scholarship in school history.

Ferriss became an All-Southeastern Conference pitcher and also played basketball two years. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, president of his junior class and was active in student government affairs.

After his junior year, he signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox and in June of 1942 he broke into professional baseball with the Greensboro, N.C. Team of the Class B Piedmont League. At age 20, he led Greensboro to the league championship.

Ferriss’ baseball career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the Army Air Corps until severe asthma forced a medical discharge in February of 1945.

Ferriss returned to baseball and the Red Sox organization, remarkably earning rapid promotion to the Major League team. In his first Major League game on April 29, 1945, he pitched a 2-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia A’s. His second start was a 5-0 blanking of the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. He set a Major League record by winning his first eight games, all complete games and four shutouts. During those first eight starts, he defeated every other American League team. He received Rookie of the Year honors for his 21-10 record.

Ferriss was even better in 1946 with a 25-6 record, a 3.25 earned run average and 26 complete games, leading pitcher of the American League. He established several Major League records, including most consecutive victories in a home park (13). He tied Wes Ferrell’s Major League record of winning 46 games in his first two seasons.

Ferriss made the 1946 American League All-Star team and then pitched a 4-0 shutout victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the third game of the 1946 World Series at Fenway Park. He joined Babe Ruth and Bill Dinneen as the only pitchers in Red Sox history to throw a World Series shutout.

Ferriss had one of the most promising pitching careers in baseball history ended by a freak shoulder injury in 1947. Even so, he finished his Major League career with a 65-30 record. After injury-plagued comeback attempts at the minor league level, Ferriss became the Red Sox pitching coach in 1955.

The Major League travel schedule was not conducive to raising a family, so in late 1959 Ferriss accepted the position of athletic director and head baseball coach at Delta State. There, he built one of the most successful college baseball programs in the U.S., producing many championship teams as well as future baseball coaches.

In all, he coached 26 years, achieving a record of 639 victories, 387 losses and eight ties. His teams won four Gulf South Conference championships and advanced to the Division II World Series three times, finishing second once and third twice. Ferriss produced several Major League players, 20 All-Americans and more than 60 future baseball coaches. He was most proud of the fact 92 percent of players who came through his program earned their college degrees. Ferriss is beloved among his former players for his care and attention to their families long after their playing days.

In addition to coaching duties, Ferriss served 19 years as Executive Director of the Delta State University Foundation. Upon his coaching retirement, the Delta State baseball field was named Ferriss Field. It is the centerpiece of one of the nation’s most complete college baseball facilities, including a Boo Ferriss Museum, and an indoor workout facility. In 2015, a statue of Ferriss was dedicated in his honor at the ballpark.

His honors include induction into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1964 and the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2002. In all, he is a member of seven sports halls of fame that include Mississippi State, Delta State, Gulf South Conference and the American Baseball Coaches Association. His Mississippi State jersey was retired in 2003, the same year the C Spire Ferriss Trophy was awarded for the first time. The Ferriss Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding college baseball player in Mississippi each season. In 2012, Ferriss was selected for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame’s Rube Award for his lifetime contributions to Mississippi sports.

During and after his coaching career Ferriss served at numerous baseball clinics around the state, the nation and the globe. The U.S. State Department sent Ferriss and former teammate Bobby Doerr to clinics in Germany, Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan and Korea. He and Doerr also conducted the first baseball clinic ever held in Guam.

Ferriss remained active in civic, community and church affairs into his 90s. A charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, he served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church and has long been recognized as father and founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Mississippi.

Ferriss was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Martha Anne Parker and her husband Henry Lee Parker, and his brother Will D. Ferriss and his wife Toni.

He is survived by his much-beloved wife of 67 years, Miriam Izard Ferriss, son Dr. David Ferriss, Jr. (Pam) of Brentwood, Tenn., daughter Margaret White (John) of Madison, grandson David Ferriss III of Nashville, granddaughter Miriam Pittman (Chase) of Memphis; three great granddaughters Mary Chase Pittman, Kathryn Pittman and Jane Pittman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Tuesday (Nov. 29) at Covenant Presbyterian Church from 4-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 30) with Rev. Tim Starnes officiating. For those who have not visited with the family a short visitation will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Burial will be private.

Mississippi State senior offensive lineman Justin Senior is the 2016 recipient of the Kent Hull Trophy presented annually to the state of Mississippi’s most outstanding collegiate offensive lineman, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday.

Since 2013, the Kent Hull Trophy annually goes to the offensive lineman that displays the traits that enabled the former Mississippi State legend to play in three Pro Bowls, four Super Bowls and become one of the most respected linemen and leaders in the National Football League.

“It’s an honor to accept this award, especially since it’s named after Mr. Kent Hull,” Senior said. “Mr. Hull was a legend here at Mississippi State and those who play here know of his legacy and what this award means. I will try my best to live up to the values that he stood for. I would like to thank all my coaches, especially Coach (Dan) Mullen and Coach (John) Hevesy as well as the Hull family for this tremendous honor.”

Senior has been a three-year starter on the Bulldogs’ offensive line, and he’s a catalyst for one of the winningest senior classes in MSU history. Senior has played in 47 career games with a team-best 37 starts – 36 at right tackle and one at left tackle.

“Justin has epitomized what Mississippi State football is about through his hard work and dedication,” MSU co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach John Hevesy said. “He’s been with us for five years and developed both on and off the field. He’s already earned his degree, and he’s been a leader on our offensive line at right tackle for us since 2014.”

In 2016, Senior has started all 11 games at left tackle, seeing action on 877 snaps with 27 knockdowns. He’s anchored a Bulldog line that has allowed the third-fewest sacks in the Southeastern Conference, while paving the way for an MSU rushing attack that averages 212.8 yards per game.

In a 35-28 win over No. 4 Texas A&M on Nov. 5, the Bulldogs rushed for 365 yards, representing their highest total in an SEC game since 1994. In addition, Senior and the offensive line did not allow a sack while facing one of the top defensive lines in the nation.

Off the field, Senior has been just as successful, earning his undergraduate degree in sociology in the summer of 2015. He’s currently pursuing a second degree in political science. The Montreal, Quebec, native is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and is one of only two Canadians currently playing SEC football.

“Justin had a unique journey to Mississippi State from Canada, and we are proud of what he has accomplished both on and off the field in his five years,” MSU head coach Dan Mullen said. “His leadership on our offensive line has been invaluable. He’s going to be successful in whatever path he chooses after football.”

Senior is MSU’s second winner of the Kent Hull Trophy, joining inaugural recipient Gabe Jackson, who claimed the honor in 2013 before going on to a successful career with the Oakland Raiders. Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss won in 2014 and Fahn Cooper of Ole Miss won in 2015. Jackson (Oakland Raiders), Tunsil (Miami Dolphins) and Cooper (San Francisco 49ers) are all in the NFL.

Senior will be formally presented with the Kent Hull Trophy at the C Spire Conerly Trophy banquet on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at Clarksdale Country Club.

JACKSON, MS –The 2016 C Spire Conerly Trophy, presented annually to the most outstanding college football player in Mississippi will be awarded next week to one of the 10 finalists named today. These nominees represent each of the ten football-playing universities and colleges in the state and have each been chosen by their athletic departments. The winner of the Annual C Spire Conerly Trophy is selected by a statewide media panel vote with a fan vote conducted by C Spire accounting for 10% of the overall vote. To vote for your favorite player via social media or text message, visit www.csopavoting.com beginning at 8:30 am on November 22nd until noon on Sunday, November 27th.

Alcorn State University – Senior Linebacker Darien Anderson led the Braves in tackles, solo tackles, and assisted tackles. First in SWAC with 10 sacks for the season, Anderson is on the Buck Buchanan Watch list for best FCS Defensive Player of the Year.

Belhaven University – Freshman QB Hunter McEachern was elected a team captain in his first year in the program. He set school season records for pass attempts (574) completions (337) and touchdowns (31). His 3,722 passing yards were second in school history.

Delta State University – Junior Running Back Chris Robinson led the nation in touchdowns scored in NCAA Division II with 24. He totaled 19 rushing touchdowns and added 5 more receiving scores. He picked up 976 yards rushing and caught 37 passes for 551 additional yards.

Jackson State University – Senior Defensive End/Linebacker Javancy Jones is nominated for the second consecutive year. He led the Tigers in tackles, solo tackles and assisted tackles. The versatile Senior also played at TE and caught two passes including one touchdown.

Millsaps College – Senior Defensive Lineman Alex Foust from Ackerman, MS led the Majors with 42 tackles including 15.5 for a loss. He also recorded 9.5 sacks which placed him second in the conference.

Mississippi College – Senior Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Marcel Newson represents the Choctaws for the second consecutive year. Newson led the Gulf South Conference and ranked fifth nationally in all-purpose yards per game with 180.6. He led the conference in receiving yards per game (94.8) and was among the leaders in both kickoff and punt returns.

Mississippi State University – Senior Wide Receiver Fred Ross leads the Bulldogs this season in catches (67), receiving yardage (835) and receiving touchdowns (11). The 11 TD grabs are tops in the SEC. He averages 12.5 yards per catch.

Mississippi Valley State University – Junior Quarterback Austin Bray is the C Spire Conerly Trophy nominee for the Delta Devils. Bray passed for eight touchdowns while completing 129 of 239 attempts for 1462 yards. He also ran for four scores.

University of Mississippi – Senior Tight End Evan Engram leads the nation in yards per game for tight ends with 84.2 and also tops all SEC receivers with that number. The Ole Miss Rebel was a semi-finalist for this year’s John Mackey Award.

University of Southern Mississippi – Junior Running Back Ito Smith has rushed for 1,195 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averages 5.6 yards per carry. He also has 38 receptions and one touchdown catch. He has scored at least one touchdown in every Golden Eagles game this season.

This year the C Spire Conerly Trophy will be presented at the Clarksdale Country Club in Clarksdale, MS on Tuesday November 29th. A reception begins at 5:30 pm with the program beginning at 6:30. Tickets are available online or at the Hall of Fame offices.

]]>http://msfame.com/news-updates/2016-c-spire-conerly-finalists-announced/feed/510163Brantley, Powell, others to recall World Series experiences at Tuesday night viewing partyhttp://msfame.com/news-updates/brantley-powell-others-to-recall-world-series-experiences-at-tuesday-night-viewing-party/
http://msfame.com/news-updates/brantley-powell-others-to-recall-world-series-experiences-at-tuesday-night-viewing-party/#respondSun, 23 Oct 2016 15:49:29 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10133Continue reading Brantley, Powell, others to recall World Series experiences at Tuesday night viewing party]]>Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer Jeff Brantley remembers dreaming of pitching in the World Series as early as when he was a child of six or seven.

“I dreamed of it, worked toward it, busted my tail for a lot of years …” Brantley says.

And then, in 1989, at age 26, he helped the San Francisco Giants make it to the World Series in his rookie season. And his lasting memory, all these 27 years later?

“The earthquake, of course,” Brantley says. “That’s it, really. I tell people all the time, you work your whole life to make something happen and then a 7.1 earthquake hits. It took away all the enthusiasm, all the atmosphere, all the experience. That’s the memory: an earthquake.”

Brantley, along with several other Mississippi Major Leaguers, will share World Series memories at a Game One watch party Tuesday night at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

The lineup of players includes 2017 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jay Powell, winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 1997 Series, Cardinals third base coach Chris Maloney, former Yankee and Ole Miss player and coach Jake Gibbs, 1959 World Series participant Joe Gibbon, Jackson native and Major League catcher Stan Cliburn, former USM pitcher and MLB player Chad Bradford and MLB catcher and Delta State alum Barry Lyons.

Rick Cleveland

Says Brantley, “I’m guessing some of the other guys will have more to tell about the World Series than I do.”

That’s debatable.

The 1989 World Series was the Battle of the Bay: Brantley’s Giants vs. the Oakland A’s. Oakland won the first two games in Oakland, setting the stage for Game 3 on Oct. 17 at Candlestick Park.

A few minutes before the scheduled start, Brantley and Giants teammate Mike LaCoss were in the tunnel between the Giants clubhouse and the first base dugout.

“It’s about 15 or 20 feet underground and it’s about 25 to 30 yards long,” Brantley says. “All of the sudden, everything started shaking and there was this enormously loud noise like a train was coming right at us. The lights went out.

“I knew immediately what it was. We started running to get out of there, but it was totally dark and we ran into each other and into things. It got pretty hairy.”

By the time they reached the dugout, the shaking had stopped.

“Didn’t last long, but, boy, it did a lot of damage,” Brantley says.

It delayed the World Series, which Oakland eventually swept in four games, by 10 days.

There was talk of moving the World Series to another site, possibly Los Angeles, but the final two games were played at Candlestick Oct. 27-28. At the time, it was the latest finish ever for a World Series, even though it lasted only four games.

Brantley, a relief pitcher, had pitched in Game One at Oakland, and that’s a story worth telling as well.

“I got the signal to get ready in the fifth inning,” Brantley says. “So, of course, they had (Mark) McGwire, (Jose) Canseco and (Dave) Parker coming up. They had runners on first and second, so I figured Roger (Giants manager Roger Craig) would bring me in to pitch to one of the right-handers (McGwire or Canseco).

“Well, we got McGwire for the second out but then Canseco walked to load the bases and I figured Roger would go to one of the left-handers to pitch to Parker. Nope, I was the guy.”

Parker had hit a long home run earlier in the game. Brantley had watched him play for years on TV and had seen Parker hit some of the longest balls imaginable.

“Bases loaded and I get Dave Parker, that’s all, Dave Parker,” Brantley says. “So catcher Terry Kennedy comes out and tells me he wants to bust a fastball inside on his hands on his first pitch. I go, ‘Yeah, right.’ Dave Parker, first pitch fast ball.”

Kennedy called for the fast ball. Brantley, a rookie, shook him off. Kennedy called for it again, forcefully.

Brantley nodded and thought to himself: “If I miss my spot, he’s going to hit this into next year.”

Brantley fired his best fast ball, right in on Parker’s hands. Parker swung mightily but hit an easy, broken bat ground ball to the second baseman to end the inning.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum’s World Series Watch Party will open at 5:30 Tuesday with a reception and a barbecue dinner. At 6:30 the players will come on stage and answer questions about their experiences. At game time everyone is invited to stay and watch Game One on the big screens throughout the museum. All proceeds go to support the museum. Tickets, which start at $50, must be purchased in advance and are available at the museum office or at the link here.

]]>http://msfame.com/news-updates/brantley-powell-others-to-recall-world-series-experiences-at-tuesday-night-viewing-party/feed/010133Baseball Fans Delighthttp://msfame.com/uncategorized/baseball-fans-delight/
http://msfame.com/uncategorized/baseball-fans-delight/#respondMon, 10 Oct 2016 16:49:33 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10107Continue reading Baseball Fans Delight]]>Mississippi baseball fans will have a unique opportunity to meet and talk with some of your favorite players on October 25th at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. For just $50 you will receive a delicious barbecue dinner and reception beginning at 5:30 pm. At 6:30 a panel discussion with a list of Mississippi based players and coaches will be held and fans may ask questions of their favorites. At game time, we invite everyone to mingle with the players and watch game #1 of the World Series on the big screens throughout the building.

Scheduled to appear are pitchers and Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer’s, Jay Powell (Class of 2017) and Jeff Brantley (Class of 2010). Powell is now the Head Baseball Coach at Jackson Academy while Brantley is a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds. Also participating will be former New York Yankee and Ole Miss player and coach Jake Gibbs, 1960 World Series performer Joe Gibbon who pitched for the Pirates, Cardinals third base coach and former MSU player Chris Maloney, Biloxi native and Delta State alum Barry Lyons, former USM and MLB pitcher Chad Bradford, and catcher Stan Cliburn who manages in the minor leagues. Powell, Brantley, Gibbon and Bradford all have pitched in the World Series and Maloney has coached in the Fall Classic.

Funds raised will go to benefit the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum which is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. Tables and sponsorships are still available. It should be a fun affair and give insight into what happens in the games biggest showcase. Call the museum office at 601-982-8264 or order your tickets online at www.msfame.com.

]]>http://msfame.com/uncategorized/baseball-fans-delight/feed/010107World Series Viewing Party on October 25thhttp://msfame.com/news-updates/mshof-to-host-viewing-party/
http://msfame.com/news-updates/mshof-to-host-viewing-party/#commentsThu, 06 Oct 2016 12:50:40 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10084Continue reading World Series Viewing Party on October 25th]]>

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum will host a World Series Viewing Party for the Opening Night of the 2016 Fall Classic on October 25th. Several current and former MLB Players will discuss post-season play and the game in general. Tickets start at $50 each with reserved tables and half tables available. The lineup of players includes: 2017 MSHOF inductee Jay Powell who was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 1997 Series, Jeff Brantley the former MSU pitcher that was playing with the Giants during the World Series interrupted by the earthquake, Cardinals third base coach Chris Maloney, former Yankee and Ole Miss player and coach Jake Gibbs, 1959 World Series participant Joe Gibbon, Jackson native and MLB catcher Stan Cliburn, former USM pitcher and MLB player Chad Bradford and MLB catcher and Delta State alum Barry Lyons. Others may be added to the list as they come available.

The doors will open at 5:30 with a reception and a barbeque dinner. At 6:30 the players will come on stage and answer questions about their experiences. At game-time everyone is invited to stay and watch Game 1 on the big screens throughout the museum. All proceedsgo to support the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the Museum office or at the link below. For any additional information, please contact 601-982-8264.

]]>http://msfame.com/news-updates/mshof-to-host-viewing-party/feed/210084A Strange Weekend by Bill Blackwellhttp://msfame.com/ricks-writings/a-strange-weekend-by-bill-blackwell/
http://msfame.com/ricks-writings/a-strange-weekend-by-bill-blackwell/#respondMon, 26 Sep 2016 16:11:35 +0000http://msfame.com/?p=10076Continue reading A Strange Weekend by Bill Blackwell]]>I don’t know about anyone else, but this weekend was filled with many differing emotions for me. There were highs and lows during the two days meant for most of us to get a break from the work week. Saturday saw Jackson State win their first game of the Tony Hughes era and Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and USM all mark notches in the victory column. Everything appeared to be going smoothly.

Then Sunday morning the news of the tragic death of 24 year old Jose Fernandez rocked the nation. The Cuban national that had escaped through great peril from that communist nation and made it to America to become one of the most talented players in the game of baseball. He was a great athlete, he could hit as well as pitch and the enthusiasm that he played the game with was unprecedented. That energy rubbed some the wrong way but no one doubted his talent. He had faced adversity and bounced back from Tommy John surgery and was 16-8 for this season and had two more scheduled starts ahead of him. His bright future came to a sudden halt when the boat that he and two others who died in the crash, hit a jetty in the early morning.

Football games and an exciting finish to the PGA Tour Championship brought a better mood but then we were hit with the death of golfing legend Arnold Palmer. Unlike Fernandez, Palmer lead a long and amazing life. In the late 50’s and early 60’s Palmer and Jack Nicklaus put the PGA on the public mind. Arnie and his dashing slashing style of play endeared him to millions who became known as “Arnie’s Army”. To that point no one had ever captured the hearts of the general public like him and as he aged he became a great businessman and took the role of the wise grandfather in his later years. Truly a kind and giving man, I had the pleasure to meet him and he was as nice as his public image led you to believe.

It was a roller coaster ride of emotion for two days and I’m not sure what to take from it other than the knowledge that some of us are blessed to be on this earth for longer periods of time than others and that no matter how long you are on this earth, living your life to its fullest is good no matter when you are called to go.